U.S. patent number 9,768,896 [Application Number 14/893,414] was granted by the patent office on 2017-09-19 for method of self-adaptation of a signal quality, corresponding devices and computer program.
This patent grant is currently assigned to INGENICO GROUP. The grantee listed for this patent is INGENICO GROUP. Invention is credited to Christopher Rotsaert.
United States Patent |
9,768,896 |
Rotsaert |
September 19, 2017 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Method of self-adaptation of a signal quality, corresponding
devices and computer program
Abstract
A method self-adapts signal quality of non-audio data exchanged
via an audio channel between a mobile terminal and a payment
accessory. The method includes at least one iteration of the
following acts: reception, by the mobile terminal, of a reference
signal transmitted by the payment accessory; analysis, in the
mobile terminal, of the received reference signal, the analysis
delivering at least one item of information representative of the
quality of the reference signal, referred to as quality
information; transmission, by the mobile terminal to the payment
accessory, of the quality information. In the above iteration, the
roles of the mobile terminal and the payment accessory can be
switched.
Inventors: |
Rotsaert; Christopher
(Wasquehal, FR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INGENICO GROUP |
Paris |
N/A |
FR |
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Assignee: |
INGENICO GROUP (Paris,
FR)
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Family
ID: |
48874342 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/893,414 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2014 |
PCT
Filed: |
May 19, 2014 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/EP2014/060253 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
November 23, 2015 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2014/187781 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
November 27, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160099785 A1 |
Apr 7, 2016 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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May 21, 2013 [FR] |
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13 54537 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B
17/0085 (20130101); H04B 17/382 (20150115); H04B
17/309 (20150115); H04M 1/72409 (20210101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04B
17/00 (20150101); H04M 1/725 (20060101); H04B
17/382 (20150101); H04B 17/309 (20150101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1874014 |
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Jan 2008 |
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EP |
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101178246 |
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Sep 2012 |
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KR |
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2013027989 |
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Feb 2013 |
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WO |
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Other References
English translation of the International Search Report dated Jun.
20, 2014 for corresponding International Patent Application No.
PCT/EP2014/060253 filed May 19, 2014. cited by applicant .
English translation of the Written Opinion dated Nov. 21, 2015 for
corresponding International Patent Application No.
PCT/EP2014/060253 filed May 19, 2014. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Fotakis; Aristocratis
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brush; David D. Westman, Champlin
& Koehler, P.A.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A method comprising: self-adaptation of a quality of non-audio
data signal exchanged via an audio channel between a mobile
terminal and an electronic payment accessory connected to said
mobile terminal via an audio connector of said mobile terminal,
wherein self-adaptation comprises: sending over the audio channel,
by one of said first mobile terminal or said electronic payment
accessory, of a first reference signal to the other of said first
mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory, and at least
one iteration of the following acts: if, before the expiry of a
predetermined duration and following the sending of the first
reference signal, said mobile terminal or said electronic payment
accessory receives a response over the audio channel coming from
the other of said first mobile terminal or said electronic payment
accessory: modification, by said mobile terminal or said electronic
payment accessory, of said first reference signal in taking account
of at least one piece of quality information present in said
response coming from the other of said first mobile terminal or
said electronic payment accessory, delivering a first modified
reference signal; and sending over the audio channel, by said
mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory, said first
modified reference signal to the other of said first mobile
terminal or said electronic payment accessory; when, following the
sending of said first reference signal, there is no response over
the audio channel coming from the other of said first mobile
terminal or said electronic payment accessory at the expiry of the
predetermined duration, sending over the audio channel by said
mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory of a second
reference signal, distinct from the first reference signal, to the
other of said first mobile terminal or said electronic payment
accessory without sending again said first reference signal.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said quality
information belongs to a group consisting of: one piece of
information on reduction or increase of amplitude of said reference
signal; one piece of information on modification of frequency of
said reference signal; a piece of information on modification of
the shape of said reference signal; one piece of information on
modification of the rate of said reference signal; one piece of
information on validation of said reference signal; one piece of
information combining at least two of the above-mentioned said
pieces of information.
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising memorizing,
in said mobile terminal and/or said electronic payment accessory,
at least one transmission parameter of said non-audio data signal
when said quality information is a piece of information on
validation of the reference signal.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said transmission
parameter belongs to a group consisting of: a value of amplitude of
the non-audio data signal; a value of frequency of the non-audio
data signal; a shape of the non-audio data signal; a pre-processing
of the non-audio data signal; a piece of information combining at
least two of the above-mentioned values.
5. The method according to claim 3, wherein said act of memorizing
also memorizes a parameter of identification of said mobile
terminal and/or said electronic payment accessory.
6. The method according to claim 3, further comprising transmission
of at least one data signal by said mobile terminal or said
electronic payment accessory to the other of said mobile terminal
or said electronic payment accessory, the transmission taking
account of said at least one transmission parameter memorized
during the memorizing act.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein said quality
information corresponds to a piece of information representing a
level of charging of said payment accessory.
8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a
preliminary step of charging down said payment accessory.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein all acts of the method are
performed by the mobile terminal.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein all acts of the method are
performed by the electronic payment accessory.
11. A method comprising: self-adaptation of a quality of non-audio
data signal exchanged via an audio channel between a mobile
terminal and an electronic payment accessory connected to said
mobile terminal via an audio connector of said mobile terminal,
wherein self-adaptation comprises at least one iteration of the
following acts: reception over the audio channel, by said
electronic payment accessory or said mobile terminal, a first
reference signal sent by the other of said electronic payment
accessory or said mobile terminal; if said electronic payment
accessory or said mobile terminal is able to interpret the first
reference signal, performing acts comprising: analysis of said
received reference signal in said electronic payment accessory or
said mobile terminal, the analysis delivering at least one piece of
information representing quality of the reference signal denoted as
quality information; and sending over the audio channel said
quality information by said electronic payment accessory or said
mobile terminal to the other of said electronic payment accessory
or said mobile terminal; and if, following reception of the first
reference signal, said electronic payment accessory or said mobile
terminal is not able to interpret the first reference signal,
reception over the audio channel, by said electronic payment
accessory or said mobile terminal, of a second reference signal,
which is distinct from the first reference signal and sent by the
other of said electronic payment accessory or said mobile terminal,
without receiving again the first reference signal, the first
reference signal no being resent by the other of said electronic
payment accessory or said mobile terminal.
12. The method according to claim 11 wherein said act of analysis
takes account of at least one predetermined criterion representing
a desired quality.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said predetermined
criterion corresponds to a maximum distortion threshold.
14. The method of self-adaptation according to claim 12, wherein
said act of analysis comprises the following acts: processing said
reference signal delivering at least one quality parameter of said
reference signal; comparing said quality parameter with said
predetermined criterion, delivering said at least one piece of
quality information.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein all acts of the method are
performed by the mobile terminal.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein all acts of the method are
performed by the electronic payment accessory.
17. An apparatus corresponding to a mobile terminal or an
electronic payment accessory, the apparatus comprising: a
non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code
instructions; and a computer configured by the program code
instructions to perform acts of a method comprising:
self-adaptation of a quality of non-audio data signal exchanged via
an audio channel between the mobile terminal and the electronic
payment accessory connected to said mobile terminal via an audio
connector of said mobile terminal, wherein self-adaptation
comprises the following acts performed by the mobile terminal or
the electronic payment accessory: sending over the audio channel,
by one of said first mobile terminal or said electronic payment
accessory, of a first reference signal to the other of said first
mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory, and at least
one iteration of the following acts: if, before the expiry of a
predetermined duration and following the sending of the first
reference signal, said mobile terminal or said electronic payment
accessory receives a response over the audio channel coming from
the other of said first mobile terminal or said electronic payment
accessory: modification, by said mobile terminal or said electronic
payment accessory, of said first reference signal in taking account
of at least one piece of quality information present in said
response coming from the other of said first mobile terminal or
said electronic payment accessory, delivering a first modified
reference signal; and sending over the audio channel, by said
mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory, said first
modified reference signal to the other of said first mobile
terminal or said electronic payment accessory; when, following the
sending of said first reference signal, there is no response over
the audio channel coming from the other of said first mobile
terminal or said electronic payment accessory at the expiry of the
predetermined duration, sending over the audio channel by said
mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory of a second
reference signal, distinct from the first reference signal, to the
other of said first mobile terminal or said electronic payment
accessory, without sending again said first reference signal.
18. An apparatus corresponding to a mobile terminal or an
electronic payment accessory, the apparatus comprising: a
non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code
instructions; and a computer configured by the program code
instructions to perform acts of a method comprising:
self-adaptation of a non-audio data quality signal exchanged via an
audio channel between the mobile terminal and the electronic
payment accessory connected to said mobile terminal via an audio
connector of said mobile terminal, wherein self-adaptation
comprises the following acts performed by the mobile terminal or
the electronic payment accessory: reception over the audio channel,
by said electronic payment accessory or said mobile terminal, a
first reference signal sent by the other of said electronic payment
accessory or said mobile terminal; if said electronic payment
accessory or said mobile terminal is able to interpret the first
reference signal, performing acts comprising: analysis of said
received reference signal in said electronic payment accessory or
said mobile terminal, the analysis delivering at least one piece of
information representing quality of the reference signal denoted as
quality information; and sending over the audio channel said
quality information by said electronic payment accessory or said
mobile terminal to the other of said electronic payment accessory
or said mobile terminal; and if, following reception of the first
reference signal, said electronic payment accessory or said mobile
terminal is not able to interpret the first reference signal,
reception over the audio channel, by said electronic payment
accessory or said mobile terminal, of a second reference signal,
which is distinct from the first reference signal and sent by the
other of said electronic payment accessory or said mobile terminal,
without receiving again the first reference signal, the first
reference signal no being resent by the other of said electronic
payment accessory or said mobile terminal.
19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program
code instructions stored thereon for executing a method of
self-adaptation according, when said program code instructions are
executed on a computer, wherein the method comprises:
self-adaptation of a quality of non-audio data signal exchanged via
an audio channel between a mobile terminal and an electronic
payment accessory connected to said mobile terminal via an audio
connector of said mobile terminal, wherein self-adaptation
comprises: sending over the audio channel, by one of said first
mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory, of a first
reference signal to the other of said first mobile terminal or said
electronic payment accessory, and at least one iteration of the
following acts: if, before the expiry of a predetermined duration
and following the sending of the first reference signal, said
mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory receives a
response over the audio channel coming from the other of said first
mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory: modification,
by said mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory, of
said first reference signal in taking account of at least one piece
of quality information present in said response coming from the
other of said first mobile terminal or said electronic payment
accessory, delivering a first modified reference signal; and
sending over the audio channel, by said mobile terminal or said
electronic payment accessory, said first modified reference signal
to the other of said first mobile terminal or said electronic
payment accessory; when, following the sending of said first
reference signal, there is no response over the audio channel
coming from the other of said first mobile terminal or said
electronic payment accessory at the expiry of the predetermined
duration, sending over the audio channel by said mobile terminal or
said electronic payment accessory of a second reference signal,
distinct from the first reference signal, to the other of said
first mobile terminal or said electronic payment accessory, without
sending again said first reference signal.
Description
1. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a Section 371 National Stage application of
International Application No. PCT/EP2014/060253, filed May 19,
2014, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety, and published as WO 2014/187781 on Nov. 27, 2014, not
in English.
2. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of the invention is that of electronic payment devices
and more particularly portable or mobile payment terminals which
can be associated with payment accessories such as detachable data
acquisition peripherals (or roam data readers), provided for
example with means for reading an electronic card such as a contact
or contactless magnetic card, and especially an electronic payment
card. A simple connection of such a peripheral to a telephone
provided with Internet communications functions, for example
through a telephone audio connector, makes it possible then to have
a terminal capable of making payments. For example, the pieces of
data read on a magnetic card can be transmitted by the peripheral
which can then process them or transmit them to an online payment
application.
More particularly, the invention pertains to the quality of the
audio signal exchanged between the electronic terminal and the
payment accessory.
3. PRIOR ART
At present, an audio circuit is therefore used to exchange data
between the electronic terminal and the payment accessory and more
broadly between two electronic devices. This audio circuit is not
covered by a standard and it is sometimes difficult to obtain
signal exchanges of sufficient quality to enable the use of the
data carried by the audio signal. Indeed, since the use of this
audio circuit is diverted to transmit data and not a vocal or
musical audio signal, it can happen that transmission parameters
deemed to be the optimal parameters for audio are not suited to the
transmission of data other than audio data.
For example, certain electronic devices such as smartphones require
a minimum signal amplitude for the transmission of a vocal or
musical audio signal whereas others require a more limited
amplitude in order to avoid the distortion of the signal. Now, at
present, a payment accessory connected to a smartphone cannot be
adapted to each type of smartphone with which it can be
connected.
In addition, another consequence of these disparities of operation
of the different electronic devices is that it is not possible to
define a quality of the standard signal such as for example a
standard amplitude which is supported by all the electronic
devices.
Besides, as already stated, it can happen that a standard signal
quality defined for voice or music is not optimal for data in a
payment application as described here above.
In order to try and overcome these drawbacks, a technique currently
used in certain payment accessories consists in defining two
amplitude parameter values and choosing one of them according to a
parameter transmitted by the smartphone. On the smartphone side
therefore, a parameter is defined according to a predetermined list
of smartphones. From the smartphone to which it is connected, the
payment accessory receives the parameter enabling it to define the
value to be used for subsequent transmissions with this smartphone.
The major drawback of this solution lies in the predetermined list
which does not allow for the possibility of supporting a novel
model of electronic device (i.e. a model not yet defined in the
list). This therefore calls for regular updates of the
predetermined list and preliminary tests and the following up of
the novel electronic devices. Even when this list is updated
regularly, there remains a risk of a manufacturer modifying his
electronic device while keeping the same reference so that certain
electronic devices, typically smartphones, that have a same
reference do not have the same characteristics and are not
compatible with predefined values predefined by the payment
accessories.
There is therefore a need for a solution that takes account of
these prior-art drawbacks in order to optimize the quality of the
signal exchanged via an audio channel between two electronic
devices.
4. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention pertains to a method of self-adaptation of a quality
of non-audio data signal exchanged between a first electronic
device and a second electronic device via an audio channel.
For example, the second electronic device is a mobile terminal and
the first electronic device is an electronic payment accessory
connected to the mobile terminal via the audio connector of the
mobile terminal.
Thus, according to this particular embodiment of the invention, the
method of self-adaptation can be applied to exchanges of non-audio
signals between a payment accessory (having for example contactless
card reading means or magnetic card reading means) and a mobile
terminal (for example a smartphone having electronic payment
functions) via the audio jack of the mobile terminal. For example,
the payment accessory is connected to the mobile terminal via the
audio connector of the mobile terminal and the signal transmitted
from the payment accessory to the mobile terminal corresponds to
the data read on a bank card, this data having to be processed by
the mobile terminal to validate a transaction for example.
According to another example, the first electronic device is a
mobile terminal and the second electronic device is an electronic
payment accessory connected to the mobile terminal via the audio
connector of this mobile terminal.
Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, the quality of
the signal transmitted by a mobile terminal to a payment accessory,
connected to the mobile terminal via the audio jack of this mobile
terminal, has to be optimized.
Naturally, the two particular embodiments described here below are
compatible and the method of self-adaptation is used to determine
transmission parameters of a signal transmitted from the first
device to the second device as well as a signal transmitted from
the second device to the first device.
According to the invention, the method comprises a step for the
sending, by the first electronic device, of a first reference
signal to the second electronic device, and at least one iteration
of the following steps: if, before the expiry of a predetermined
duration, the first electronic device receives a response coming
from the second electronic device: modification, by the first
electronic device, of the first reference signal in taking account
of at least one piece of quality information present in the
response coming from the second electronic device, delivering a
first modified reference signal; sending, by the first electronic
device, of the first modified reference signal to the second
electronic device; when there is no response coming from the second
electronic device at the expiry of the predetermined duration,
sending by the first electronic device of a second reference
signal, distinct from the first reference signal, to the second
electronic device.
Thus, the invention relies on a wholly novel and inventive approach
to the adjustment of the quality of a non-audio data signal
exchanged between two electronic devices, via an audio channel (for
example an audio connector on the devices) in enabling an iterative
self-adaptation of the quality of the reference signal.
Indeed, since the audio channel used for the exchange of non-audio
data between the two devices is suited to the exchange not of
non-audio data but of audio signals, then, depending on the
transmission parameters, the non-audio data signal can be degraded
by the audio channel in such a way that the data is no longer
exploitable. Now, this signal exchanged by the audio channel can
correspond to data read by a first electronic device (for example a
payment accessory having available a card reader) and transmitted
by this first device to a second device (for example a mobile
terminal) that has to interpret and then process this data, for
example to validate a bank transaction. These pieces of data must
therefore be received with optimum quality to be capable of being
exploited.
In addition, not only can the audio channel degrade the signal but
the respective sending and receiving characteristics of the two
electronic devices must also be considered for the quality of the
received signal. Indeed, the entire audio circuit comprising the
sending characteristics of the first device, the transmission
channel for transmission via the audio connectors and the reception
characteristics of the second device can degrade the signal.
Thus the invention, according to its different embodiments,
implements an iterative method based on an analysis, in the
receiver device, of a reference signal sent by the other device so
as to determine the quality of the received signal, for example by
determining whether the extracted data can be exploited and
adjusting the transmission parameters of the reference signal to
optimize its quality.
Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, the piece of
quality information sent by the second device enables a first
device to modify the reference signal for another iteration of
self-adaptation.
As a consequence, the method enables the self-adaptation of the
quality of the signal exchanged between two electronic devices
without prior knowledge of technical characteristics of these
devices or of the audio channel enabling the exchange of data and
without user action.
Indeed, the iterative method is entirely automatic and can be based
on one or more exchanges of reference signals used to ultimately
determine transmission parameters of the signal used to obtain
optimal quality of exploitation of the data received via this
signal.
For example, the first iteration can consist, first of all, in
identifying a reference signal interpretable by the second device
and, once the signal is found, in refining certain of these
transmission parameters in such a way as to be able to implement an
optimal communication between the two devices.
Thus, it can happen that the first reference signal transmitted by
the first device is not received or interpreted by the second
device which therefore does not respond to the first device
following this sending of the reference signal. This is why a timer
is implemented in the first device which sends another reference
signal if it has not received any response from the second device
upon expiry of the timer. In this case, the second reference signal
has transmission parameters different from the first one so as to
"test" another type of signal. A maximum number of attempts can be
predefined so as to stop the process of self-adaptation if the
second device responds to none of the previous attempts.
By contrast, when the second device responds to the first device
following the transmission of the first reference signal, the
second device takes account of this response and especially of a
piece of quality information present in the response to modify one
or more transmission parameters of the first reference signal and
thus send back a modified first reference signal to the second
device in order to optimize communication between the two
devices.
According to one particular parameter of the invention, the method
comprises at least one iteration of the following steps: the
reception, by the second electronic device, of a reference signal
sent by the first electronic device according to the method
described here above; analysis, in the second electronic device, of
the received reference signal, the analysis delivering at least one
piece of information representing the quality of the reference
signal denoted as quality information; the sending, by the second
electronic device to the first electronic device, of the piece of
quality information.
Thus, the invention according to its different embodiments
implements an iterative method based on an analysis, in the
reception device, of a reference signal sent by the other device so
as to determine the quality of the signal received, for example by
determining whether the pieces of extracted data can be exploited
and adjusting the transmission parameters of the reference signal
to optimize this quality.
In particular, the step of analysis takes account of at least one
predetermined criterion representing a desired quality.
Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, the analysis
of the reference signal received takes account of a predetermined
criterion of reference quality such that, when this criterion is
attained, the received signal is considered to be of optimal
quality.
For example, this predetermined criterion is a parameter proper to
the receiver device such as a rate of maximum permitted distortion,
a maximum permitted bit rate, a minimum required amplitude,
etc.
For example, the predetermined criterion corresponds to a maximum
distortion threshold.
For example, the predetermined criterion corresponds to a maximum
distortion threshold beyond which the data extracted from the
received signal cannot be exploited by the receiver device.
According to one particular aspect, the step of analysis comprises
the following sub-steps: processing the reference signal delivering
at least one quality parameter of the reference signal; comparing
the quality parameter with the predetermined criterion, delivering
the piece of quality information.
Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, the step for
analyzing the received reference signal consists firstly of a
treatment of the received signal, for example a computation of the
rate of distortion of the signal delivering a parameter such as the
rate of distortion of the received signal and then a comparison of
this computed parameter with a maximum authorized distortion
threshold.
This comparison then makes it possible to determine which
transmission parameters of the reference signal are to be modified
or can be modified to optimize the quality of the received
signal.
For example, the piece of quality information belongs to the group
comprising at least: a piece of information on reduction or
increase of amplitude of the reference signal; a piece of
information on modification of the frequency of the reference
signal; a piece of information on modification of the shape of the
reference signal; a piece of information on modification of the
rate of the reference signal; a piece of information on validation
of the reference signal; a piece of information combining at least
two of the above-mentioned pieces of information.
Thus, for example, an excessively high distortion of the reference
signal can be corrected by reducing the amplitude of the reference
signal and/or modifying the frequency of this reference signal
and/or modifying the shape of the reference signal (sinusoidal,
etc.) and/or modifying the (bit) rate of the reference signal. In
this case, the information representing the quality of the signal
received (quality information) sent out by the second device
corresponds to an indication for modifying the reference signal for
another iteration of self-adaptation.
When the quality of the reference signal received is deemed to be
optimal, then the piece of quality information sent by the second
device corresponds to a validation of the parameters of the second
reference signal sent by the first device.
For example, the reference signal corresponds to a sinusoidal
signal of a fixed frequency and fixed amplitude and the piece of
quality information corresponds to the reference signal modified
according to the step of analysis.
In this particular case, when the reference signal is a blank
signal, the piece of quality information sent back by the second
device is a modified reference signal taking account of the
distortions observed on the received signal, then enabling the
first device to determine transmission parameters taking account of
these distortions.
According to one particular embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises a step of storage in the first and/or second electronic
device of at least one parameter of transmission of the data signal
when the piece of quality information is a piece of information on
validation of the reference signal.
Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, when the
successive iterations of the method of self-adaptation have made it
possible to arrive at a reference signal having optimal quality for
the reception device, the transmission parameters of this reference
signal of optimal quality are memorized so as to be used
subsequently for exchanges of signals between these two electronic
devices.
For example, the values of amplitude and frequency of the reference
signal of optimal quality are memorized in the first device, i.e.
the sender device. These parameters can also be memorized in the
receiver device so as to enable better subsequent self-adaptation
with another sender device for example.
For example, the transmission parameters belong to the group
comprising: a value of amplitude of a data signal; a value of
frequency of a data signal; a shape of a data signal; a
pre-processing of a data signal; a piece of information combining
at least two of the above-mentioned values.
In particular, the storage step also memorizes a parameter of
identification of the first and/or second electronic device.
Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, the saving of
the transmission parameter or parameters of the signal associates
this parameter or parameters with an identifier of the receiver
device and/or an identifier of the sender device.
For example, when the first device is a payment accessory connected
to a mobile telephone via the audio connector of the mobile
telephone, the payment accessory can memorize the transmission
parameters of a signal of optimal quality associated with the
mobile telephone so as to be able to re-use these parameters for
all the communications with this mobile telephone. Thus, if the
payment accessory is used with another mobile telephone or another
electronic device, other parameters associated with this electronic
device can also be memorized. In this way, the payment accessory
can optimize its communications with different electronic devices
in memorizing a transmission parameter coming from one or more
self-adaptation phases implemented with each of these distinct
electronic devices.
According to one particular aspect of the invention, the method
comprises a step of transmission of at least one data signal by the
first electronic device to the second electronic device, the step
of transmission taking account of the parameter of transmission
memorized during the memorizing step.
Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, once the
transmission parameter or parameters have been memorized, the
exchanges between the first and second devices can take account of
these parameters in order to optimize the processing of the data
exchanged. Consequently, the signals transmitted by the first
device to the second device take account of this transmission
parameter or these transmission parameters and the quality of these
signals is therefore optimal for an exploitation of the data
exchanged.
For example, the second electronic device is a mobile terminal and
the first electronic device is an electronic payment accessory
connected to the mobile terminal via the audio connector of the
mobile terminal.
Thus, according to this particular embodiment of the invention, the
method of self-adaptation can be applied to exchanges of signals
between a payment accessory (having for example contactless card
reading means and means for reading a magnetic card) and a mobile
terminal (for example a smartphone having electronic payment
functions) via the audio connector of the mobile telephone. For
example, the payment accessory is connected to the mobile telephone
via the audio jack of the mobile terminal and the signal
transmitted from the payment accessory to the mobile terminal
corresponds to the pieces of data read on a bank card, these pieces
of data having to be processed by the mobile terminal to validate a
transaction for example.
According to another example, the first electronic device is a
mobile terminal and the second electronic device is an electronic
payment accessory connected to the mobile terminal via the audio
connector of the mobile terminal.
Thus this embodiment of the invention optimizes the quality of the
signal transmitted by a mobile telephone to a payment accessory,
connected to the mobile terminal via the audio jack of this mobile
telephone.
Naturally, the two particular embodiments described here above are
compatible and the method of self-adaptation can be used to
determine transmission parameters of a signal transmitted from the
first device to the second device as well as a signal transmitted
from the second device to the first device.
According to this example, the piece of quality information
corresponds to a piece of information representing a level of
charging of the payment accessory.
Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, the method of
self-adaptation enables the optimal use of the audio channel
between the mobile terminal and the payment accessory to charge
this payment accessory. For example, the signal transmitted from
the mobile terminal to the payment accessory corresponds to a
continuous signal enabling the payment accessory to be charged and
the method according to the invention can be used to define the
characteristics of this signal (amplitude, duration, etc.) for an
optimal charging of the payment accessory.
In particular, the method in this example corresponds to a
preliminary step for charging down the payment accessory.
In order to optimize the self-adaptation applied to the charging of
the payment accessory, this accessory preliminarily gets charged
down. Indeed, the self-adaptation makes it possible in this case to
determine the characteristics of a signal used to fully recharge
the payment accessory under precise conditions where it is fully
charged down. In this way, an optimal charging signal is
determined, making it possible to completely recharge the payment
accessory while at the same time optimizing the duration of this
signal as well as its amplitude. Thus, the duration of the
operation for recharging of the payment accessory is reduced along
with its impact on the charging of the mobile terminal itself, in
sending a charging signal of optimized amplitude and duration.
The invention also pertains to an electronic device comprising
means of self-adaptation of a quality of a non-audio data signal
exchanged via an audio channel with a distinct electronic device,
the means of self-adaptation comprising at least the following
means: means for sending a reference signal to the distinct
electronic device; means for modifying the reference signal in
taking account of at least one piece of quality information present
in the response coming from the distinct electronic device,
delivering a modified reference signal.
Such a device is especially capable of implementing the steps of
the self-adaptation method described here above and can be for
example a mobile terminal or a payment accessory.
According to another embodiment, the invention pertains to an
electronic device comprising means of self-adaptation of a
non-audio data quality signal exchanged via an audio channel with a
distinct electronic device, the means of self-adaptation comprising
at least the following means: means for receiving a reference
signal sent by the distinct electronic device described here above;
means for analyzing the reference signal, the means for analyzing
delivering at least one piece of information representing the
quality of the reference signal, denoted as quality information;
means for sending the piece of quality information to the distinct
electronic device.
Such a device is especially capable of implementing the steps of
the method of self-adaptation described here above and can be for
example a mobile terminal or a payment accessory.
Finally, the invention also relates to a computer program
comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the
method of self-adaptation as described here above when the program
is executed on a computer.
5. LIST OF FIGURES
Other features and advantages of the invention shall appear more
clearly from the following description of a particular embodiment
given by way of a simple, illustratory and non-exhaustive example
and from the appended drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system in which the method of
self-adaptation can be implemented;
FIGS. 2a and 2b present the main steps of the method of
self-adaptation according to one particular embodiment of the
invention, respectively in the first device and second device
involved in the self-adaptation;
FIGS. 3a to 3c present sequence diagrams of self-adaptation
according to several embodiments of the invention implemented in a
system as illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIGS. 4 and 4b present two examples of devices according to one
particular embodiment of the invention.
6. DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
6.1 General Principle
The general principle of the invention relies on an iterative
process of self-adaptation of the quality of a non-audio data
signal transmitted by a first device to a second device via an
audio channel used to determine at least one parameter of
transmission of this data signal so as to obtain an optimal quality
for subsequent transmissions.
To this end, the self-adaptation is based on the transmission, by
the first device to the second device, of a reference signal which
is analyzed when this can be done, in a second device so as to send
in return a piece of information representing the quality of the
reference signal, called quality information.
According to the different embodiments of the invention, this piece
of quality information enables the first device to modify the
reference signal so as to improve the quality of the signal
received by the second device. The steps of analysis of the
reference signal and of transmission of a piece of quality
information are iterated again, as is the step of modification of
the reference signal until an optimal quality of the received
reference signal is obtained.
The iterative process can be implemented in either one of the two
devices so as to optimize transmission in either sense of
communication.
The analysis of the quality of the reference signal received can
consist of any processing that makes it possible to determine
whether the received signal is exploitable, for example by
computing the distortion rate of the received signal or by
comparing its amplitude with a minimum required amplitude or a
maximum tolerated amplitude.
The method of self-adaptation according to the different
embodiments of the invention can be implemented systematically when
connection is made between the two devices, as a sort of
initializing function for initializing a peripheral on a telephone
for example. Thus, all the subsequent exchanges between the two
devices benefit from this self-adaptation and have an optimized
signal quality.
The method of self-adaptation according to the different
embodiments of the invention can also be triggered at the time of
the first data transmission between the devices or when several
data transmissions have failed between the devices.
Or again, the self-adaptation method according to the different
embodiments of the invention can be triggered by a request from the
user of the devices, for example when the application of
self-adaptation downloaded in his mobile telephone proposes that he
implements an iteration of self-adaptation.
In yet another case, the different steps of the method of
self-adaptation can be implemented once, in order to obtain a piece
of quality information on the reference signal received and to
leave the user the choice, depending on this piece of quality
information, of implementing or not implementing other iterations
of the self-adaptation method. For example, the user can choose to
try and obtain optimal quality of transmission between the two
devices, by launching one or more iterations of the process of
self-adaptation, or else he can choose to be contented with
sufficient quality, although it is not optimal quality, for example
in order to gain time.
After self-adaptation, the optimized parameters can be memorized
locally in either one of the devices or centralized in a database
on a server for example to make it possible to add more devices to
a list of supported devices (even with self-adaptation according to
one of the particular embodiments of the invention, it can happen
that certain devices are not supported) and/or to provide a piece
of information on restriction on performance levels (if only the
low (bit) rate parameters are supported for example).
Besides, in certain cases, a first phase of the self-adaptation
process is one of identifying a reference signal interpretable by
the second device. Indeed, the reference signal transmitted by the
first device can quite simply be not interpretable by the second
device, hence considered to be not received because its parameters
are not supported by this device. In this case, it can happen that
the second device does not respond to the first one which must
therefore send back a distinct reference signal to try and be
"understood" or "heard" by the second device.
To this end, a "timer" of a predetermined duration is implemented
in the first device so that it does not wait indefinitely a
response from the second device. Thus, at the expiry of the timer,
if the second device has not responded to the first device, then
this first device reiterates its transmission with a distinct
reference signal (for example of a different type) and does so for
example until a predetermined maximum number of attempts.
Once a type of reference signal is received and interpreted by the
second device, its parameters are so to speak "refined" in order to
obtain a reference signal of optimal quality, in order to optimize
subsequent communications between the two devices.
6.2 Description of One Embodiment
Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2b, we present the main steps of the
method of self-adaptation according to one particular embodiment of
the invention implemented respectively in a first device and a
second device of a system as illustrated in FIG. 1.
In this system, a first device 11 (for example a payment accessory)
is connected to a second device 12 (for example a mobile terminal)
via an audio connector 13, for example the audio connector of the
mobile terminal.
In one particular application, the payment accessory 11 enables the
reading, with or without contact, of the data of a payment card
(not shown) and then the transmission via an audio channel 13, of
the pieces of data read to the mobile terminal 12. This mobile
terminal 12 exploits these pieces of data read, via a local or
remote payment application, for example to validate a
transaction.
Whatever the triggering mode for the self-adaptation method
(automatic start upon connection between the two devices, or during
the first exchange of data, etc. as described here above), a first
step 21 for sending a reference signal, denoted as "Reference
Signal", having predetermined transmission parameters, is
implemented by the first device 11. A "timer" of a predetermined
duration t is triggered upon the sending of this reference signal,
so as to await a response from the second device only during this
duration t.
Thus, if the second device 12 does not respond to the first device
11 before the expiry of the timer, for example because it has not
received the reference signal, or has not been able to interpret
this reference signal as being a self-adaptation signal, then the
first device reiterates this sending step 21 with a reference
signal distinct from the first one (denoted for example as
Reference signal 2), for example of another type of family of
reference signals. A new timer is triggered and the steps are
reiterated until the identification of a reference signal that can
be interpreted by the second device or until a predetermined
maximum number of attempts is reached.
By contrast, if the second device 12 responds to the first device
11 before the expiry of the timer, the first device takes account
of this response and especially of the piece of quality information
present in this response (described more specifically here below)
to implement a step 22 of modification of the reference signal and
a step 23 for sending a modified reference signal. Here again, a
timer is triggered and the steps 22 and 23 can be reiterated until
a reference signal of optimal quality is determined, as described
here below.
In the second device 12 (here again whatever the mode of triggering
of the method of self-adaptation), a first reception step 21 is one
of receiving a signal called a reference signal, denoted as
reference signal presenting predetermined transmission parameters,
sent by the first device 11.
Here below, we shall describe a situation where this reference
signal transmitted by the first device 11 is interpretable by the
second device 12.
For example, this reference signal has high amplitude, a sinusoidal
shape, a classic (bit) rate, etc. or else a particular amplitude,
frequency and type of format with or without pre-processing
(complex signal format).
According to another example described in greater detail here
below, this reference signal is a blank signal.
According to yet another example, also described here below, this
reference signal is a continuous signal enabling the second device
to be charged.
Once received, this reference signal is analyzed in an analysis
step 25 in the second device 12 so as to evaluate its quality in
order to optimize subsequent exchanges of data between these two
devices 11 and 12 via the audio channel 13.
Whatever the type of analysis performed during the step 25, it is
implemented according to a particular application of operation of
the data received subsequently and takes account for example of one
or more predetermined criteria representing a desired signal
quality.
For example, the analysis 25 of the received reference signal
consists in comparing its amplitude with a maximum amplitude
tolerated by the device 12. Another type of analysis can consist of
a computation of rates of distortion of the received reference
signal, beyond which the pieces of data transmitted via this signal
are no longer exploitable by the second device 12. Yet another type
of analysis can consist of an evaluation of a level of jitter as
compared with a given tolerance value or an evaluation relative to
a specific criterion of quality or a response contained in a given
template.
The result of this step of analysis 25 therefore consists, so to
speak, of an evaluation of the quality of the reference signal
received, in the form of a piece of quality information, denoted as
"Quality information". This piece of quality information is then
sent, in a sending step 26, by the second device to the first
device. This piece of quality information is aimed at enabling the
first device to modify, if necessary, one or more transmission
parameters of the reference signal in order to transmit a modified
reference signal to the second device so that this device can
evaluate the quality of this modified reference signal received,
during a second iteration of the steps of the self-adaptation
method according to this embodiment of the invention.
For example, when the analysis 25 of the received reference signal
has resulted in an observation that the quality of this received
reference signal is inadequate, then the piece of quality
information directly consists of an indication of modification of
one or more transmission parameters. Thus, the piece of quality
information can take the form of a piece of information on
reduction/increase of amplitude of the reference signal and/or a
piece of information on modification of frequency of the reference
signal and/or a piece of information on modification of the shape
of the reference signal and/or a piece of information on
modification of the (bit) rate of the reference signal.
By contrast, if the analysis 25 of the received reference signal
has led to an observation that the quality of this received
reference signal is optimal, then the piece of quality information
consists of a piece of information on validation of the reference
signal. In this case, the iterations of the steps 24 to 26 come to
an end and a step of memorization (not shown) of at least one
transmission parameter is implemented in the first device 11. The
self-adaptation of the quality of the signal exchanged between the
first device and the second device is in this case terminated and
has enabled a definition of at least one parameter of transmission
of the signals exchanged subsequently between the first and the
second devices, making it possible to obtain optimized quality of
the signal received by the second device.
For example, this parameter of transmission corresponds to an
amplitude and/or a (bit) rate and/or a frequency.
In addition, according to one alternative embodiment, an identifier
of the second device can be associated with this transmission
parameter or these transmission parameters at the time of
memorization. In this way, the transmission parameters of a signal
would be associated in the first device with a second particular
device.
It must be noted that this step of memorization can also be
implemented in the second device so that the latter also has
available parameters of optimal quality of transmission of a signal
via a first device. For example, these parameters could be provided
subsequently to this first device during a connection of this first
device to the second device, thus making it possible if necessary
to remove the need for a new self-adaptation process.
According to one alternative embodiment, the reference signal is a
blank signal (sinusoidal signal of a fixed frequency and
amplitude), and the step of analysis 25 of this received signal
comprises a first sub-step of computation of distortion in the
signal received and a second sub-step of computation of a reverse
function of this distortion, delivering a modified reference signal
that takes account of the distortion observed. This modified
reference signal, once transmitted via the audio channel and
distorted by this channel, will actually be a signal that can be
exploited by the second device. In this variant, the piece of
quality information therefore corresponds to this modified signal
which the first device can retransmit to the second device so that
it verifies that the quality of the received signal is effectively
optimal.
6.3 Description of Two Examples of Application
Referring now to FIGS. 3a to 3c, we present two examples of
diagrams of sequences of self-adaptation, respectively according to
a first figure (FIGS. 3a and 3b) and a second embodiment (FIG.
3c).
In the first embodiment, we consider an exchange of data between
the payment accessory 11 and the mobile terminal 12 via the audio
channel 13. The self-adaptation according to this embodiment of the
invention consists initially in identifying a reference signal
interpretable by the second device (FIG. 3a) and secondly in
optimizing the quality of this reference signal transmitted by the
payment accessory to the mobile terminal so that it can optimally
exploit the transmitted data, for example data read in a bank card
by the payment accessory.
As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the payment accessory therefore
initially transmits a reference signal, denoted as Reference signal
1, to the mobile terminal. A timer t is triggered in the payment
accessory so that it waits for a response from the mobile terminal
only during this predetermined duration t. If the mobile terminal
has not responded to the payment accessory before the expiry of the
timer, this accessory sends a second reference signal, denoted as
Reference signal 2, for example of a type different from Reference
signal 1. This signal is considered here to be interpretable this
time by the mobile terminal which can therefore implement an
analysis of the Reference signal 2 and respond to the payment
accessory in transmitting especially at least one piece of quality
information of the signal coming from this analysis, denoted as
Quality information 1 (consisting for example of a piece of
information on reduction of amplitude). The Reference signal 2 is
therefore interpretable by the mobile terminal and its parameters
can be modified via the process of self-adaptation according to
this embodiment of the invention, until the parameters used to
obtain an optimal quality of communication between the payment
accessory and the mobile terminal are obtained.
The payment accessory therefore takes this information on reduction
of amplitude into consideration to modify the reference signal
Reference signal 2 and send out a Reference signal 2bis towards the
mobile terminal. The following steps are described here below with
reference to FIG. 3b.
As illustrated in FIG. 3b, it is considered that the payment
accessory transmits a reference signal, denoted as Reference signal
2, which the mobile terminal analyses during a first iteration of
the analysis step 25. This analysis for example detects an
excessively high amplitude of the Reference signal 2 and delivers a
first piece of quality information denoted as Quality information 1
consisting of a piece of information on reduction of amplitude.
This first piece of quality information is received by the payment
accessory which implements a modification of the reference signal,
i.e. in this case a reduction of its amplitude, to transmit a
modified reference signal denoted as Reference signal 2bis to the
mobile terminal. A second iteration of the step 25 of analysis is
then implemented in the mobile terminal, this time detecting an
unsuited frequency of the received signal and delivering a second
piece of quality information, denoted as Quality information 2,
consisting of a piece of information on modification of frequency
(for example with a parameter indicating one or more appropriate
frequencies).
This second piece of quality information is received by the payment
accessory which modifies the reference signal, i.e. in this case it
modifies its frequency to transmit a modified reference signal to
the terminal, denoted as Reference signal 2ter. A third iteration
of the step 25 of analysis is then implemented in the mobile
terminal, then leading to the detection of a sufficient quality of
this received signal and the delivery of a third piece of quality
information, denoted as Quality information 3, which consists
therefore of a validation of the quality of the received signal
(Reference signal 2ter).
This third piece of quality information is received by the payment
accessory which then implements a step of memorization of certain
transmission parameters such as for example the amplitude of the
reference signal Reference signal 2bis and the frequency of the
reference signal Reference signal 2ter as well as possibly other
transmission parameters common to the successive reference signal
sent out by the payment accessory (for example the shape of the
signal: sinusoidal, square or complex format).
This step of memorization can also associate these different
parameters with an identifier of the mobile terminal.
Thus, these different transmission parameters will be used
subsequently by the payment accessory for the transmission of
signals to the mobile terminal so as to optimize the quality of the
signals transmitted. For example, the payment accessory transmits
data read from a bank card to the mobile terminal, in a signal
complying with these memorized parameters, thus enabling the mobile
terminal to process these pieces of data optimally, i.e. enabling
the terminal to exploit them for the application concerned (for
example an application of transaction by bank card).
In the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3c, the payment
accessory 11 connected to the mobile terminal 12 via the audio
channel 13 is deemed to be capable of getting recharged via this
channel by a continuous signal transmitted by the mobile
terminal.
Indeed, most of the peripherals or payment accessories do not have
batteries and the energy for these accessories is provided by a
standard audio signal enabling a capacitance to be charged to power
the payment accessories for the time needed for example for reading
and processing the data of a bank card. Unfortunately, this charge
is sometimes insufficient and it is necessary to plan for a battery
in the payment accessory to compensate for the lack of charge.
This second embodiment of the invention removes the need for a
battery in implementing the self-adaptation method. This is done in
order to optimize charging time and the completeness of the
charging, as well as to save on the resources of the mobile
terminal that gives the charging signal. At the same time, it
ensures optimal operation of the payment accessory with the maximum
level of charge.
In order to optimize the process of self-adaptation in the context
of the charging of the payment accessory, a preliminary total or
quasi-total charging-down step is done. Thus, the charging step
could be considered to be a reference point that starts from a
charged-down payment accessory and is therefore a known state of
charge.
Then, the mobile terminal sends out a continuous reference signal
to attain a maximum charging level for the payment accessory at the
end of a certain period of time. Thus, when the payment accessory
has reached this maximum charging level, it transmits a piece of
quality information denoted as "quality information" to the mobile
terminal. This quality information represents the duration of the
charging for example. Depending on this "quality information", the
mobile terminal can adjust certain parameters such as the amplitude
or frequency of the continuous reference signal so as to optimize
the charging duration or the resources of the mobile terminal
needed for this charging. Then, these parameters representing an
optimal quality of charging of the payment accessory are memorized
by the mobile terminal, possibly associated with an identifier of
the payment accessory.
According to a third particular embodiment of the invention which
is not shown, the steps described here above in the context of the
first embodiment are implemented by "inverting" the devices, i.e.
in considering the first device to be the mobile terminal and the
second device to be the payment accessory. In this case, the
self-adaptation optimizes the quality of the signal transmitted
from the mobile terminal to the payment accessory.
In addition, these different particular embodiments of the
invention can be combined so as to optimize the quality of the
signals exchanged in both senses of communication between the two
devices as well as the charging of the payment accessory by the
mobile terminal.
6.4 Description of Two Examples of Self-Adaptation Devices
Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 4b, we describe the simplified
structures respectively of a first self-adaptation device and
second self-adaptation device according to one embodiment of the
invention.
This first self-adaptation device comprises means of
self-adaptation comprising the following means, for example in the
form of modules: means/module(s) 41 for sending a reference signal
to a distinct electronic device; means/module(s) 42 for modifying
the reference signal in taking account of at least one piece of
quality information present in a response coming from the distinct
electronic device, delivering a modified reference signal.
For example, this self-adaptation device is present in the payment
accessory of the system illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or in the mobile
terminal illustrated in this same FIG. 1.
This self-adaptation device is especially capable of implementing
the different steps of the self-adaptation method described here
above according to any one of the particular embodiments described
here above.
This second self-adaptation device comprises means of
self-adaptation comprising the following means, for example in the
form of modules: means/module(s) 44 for receiving a reference
signal ("Reference signal") sent by a distinct electronic device;
means/module(s) 45 for analyzing the reference signal delivering at
least one piece of information representing the quality of the
reference signal, denoted as "quality information"; means/modules
46 for sending the piece of quality information to the distinct
electronic device. For example, the self-adaptation device is
present in the mobile terminal of the system illustrated in FIG. 1
and/or in the payment accessory illustrated in this same FIG.
1.
This self-adaptation device is especially capable of implementing
the different steps of the self-adaptation method described here
above according to any one of the particular embodiments described
here above.
At least one embodiment of the disclosure provides a technique for
optimizing the quality of a signal transmitted via an audio channel
between two electronic devices that does not require prior
knowledge of the technical characteristics of one and/or the other
of the electronic devices.
At least one embodiment of the disclosure provides a technique of
this kind that can be used for any standard electronic device on
the market.
An embodiment provides a technique of this kind that is simple to
implement and costs little.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference
to one or more examples, workers skilled in the art will recognize
that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from
the scope of the disclosure and/or the appended claims.
* * * * *